Page 31 of Silver Tears

I roll my eyes and busy myself with my phone. This is why I don’t tell my brothers about my love life, because they act like this.

* * *

There’s a soft rap on my balcony window at seven that evening. I put my books to one side and pull back the curtains. My fake boyfriend stands on the other side of the glass, a lopsided grin on his face. I’d texted Seb earlier to let him know I wouldn’t need a lift home because mum was actually staying home tonight, so I could get some much-needed study time in. That was the plan anyway!

“You sure have a habit of turning up here unannounced.” I sigh, opening the door and gesturing for him to enter. I blink when he drops a kiss on my cheek as he passes me. “We’re not in public here. No need to pretend.”

“Maybe I just wanted to kiss you, Mills,” he says with a cheeky smirk as he drops himself down on my bed. “I’m bored.”

I close the door and stand watching him, my arms folded across my middle. “Well, I’m studying.”

He picks up one of my books and reads the cover. “You study too much. When does Milly Silver get time to have fun?”

“I don’t have time for fun.” I sigh. Am I a bore? I’m so busy trying to be everything that everyone expects me to be. I have little time to just relax and enjoy life.

“Okay, I’m kidnapping you.” He looks at his watch. “You have an interview in thirty minutes up at the country club.”

I double blink. “I do?”

He nods his head, swinging his arms as he strides over to my wardrobes. “Ah, plenty of good girl outfits to choose from in here.” He fumbles around and eventually pulls out a navy-blue pencil skirt and a white short-sleeved blouse. “Perfect. Do you have some black heels?”

“I have black loafers,” I reply, taking the clothes that he hands me. “You really set me up with an interview?”

He nods his head and gestures at my ensuite. “Hop to it. We don’t have all day.”

Still in shock that he has scored me an interview, I head into my ensuite and change into the clothes he picked out. Jobs at the country club are elusive. I’ve applied before and never got an interview, despite my waitressing experience. You had to have the right connections to get a job there and sadly, I didn’t have the right connections. Until now.

* * *

As we drive over there, I keep feeling his eyes on me and it’s kind of distracting. “What?” I ask him. “Do I not look okay?”

He grins and shakes his head. “No, Mills, you not looking okay is not the problem.”

What on earth is he talking about? “Okay.” I’m too nervous to deal with him right now. I clutch at the folder in my hands. It has my CV and all my food hygiene certificates inside.

“You ready for this?” he asks me as we park up outside.

“No. Yes. Maybe.” I climb out of the car and glance up at the exclusive club. The elites of the Bay come here to golf, play cards, and unwind. You can almost smell the money in the air. I jump when Sebs’ hand squeezes my shoulders. “You’ve got this, Mills. There is no way they won’t hire you. Especially when I put in a good word.”

He takes my hand in his and we climb the steps to the entrance. A tall and willowy young blonde woman mans the reception. “Mr Collings. It’s good to see you again.”

“Penny. It’s always a pleasure.” He leans on the counter and winks at her. “This is my girlfriend, Milly Silver. She has an interview with Francis at eight.”

Penny’s eyes give me the once over. “Girlfriend, huh? How cute.”

I return her fake smile. Her words are as fake as her lips. Seb turns his attention to me. He straightens the collar of my blouse before placing a finger under my chin, forcing me to look up at him. “Go wow them, precious. I’ll be in the bar waiting for you when you’re done.”

I swallow and nod my head. I’m already nervous as it is, but having Seb’s undivided attention on me ramps my nerves up to another level. “I’ve got this,” I say firmly, pulling my shoulders back. He drops a quick kiss on my lips before he heads off, leaving me staring after him.

Penny clears her throat, snagging my attention. “Francis is ready for you. Down the hall, second door on the left.”

* * *

Thirty minutes later, I almost skip into the bar area. I got the job. Two shifts a week on a Tuesday and Thursday evening. The money is good. Its way better than what I earn at the café.

I search the room when I enter the bar and find Seb sitting with a group of guys. They look older, early twenties, and I hesitate, apprehensive about going over to him. Seb looks up, spotting me, and gestures me over.

“I’ll get a Jack Daniels,” the guy sitting to his right says, barely glancing in my direction.

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